[interested_observer]

I noticed that my 16-45 has not been as sharp lately (equals my 18-55 kit original version). My K20 needed to go back in for warranty re-repair. When I was taking night shots with DFS, it was like shooting through a sandstorm, so I dropped both off at CRIS this last week.

The 16-45 is on my nickel. I received the evaluation back and the verdict is, it needs new focus gears and re alignment - $211 + tax or $219 out the door.

My first reaction was I could buy a used one for that, but then I started thinking - I know the history of this one (how the focus gears went - I do not know nor understand), so the repair may be a better investment than a used one......

I have not used the 16-45 that much in the last year, with acquiring the 31. However, I have an set of shots that 40, 45 and 50 I think would be very good on, so I do not want to loose the zoom's focus length. When I get the K20 back I want to go try again with the full arsenal 10-17, 12-24, 16-45, 31 and 50, up in Sedona.

Any thoughts?

For future reference does Eric service the newer lenses or just the older ones?

[BBear]

I suspect I could very likely be in the same situation, because my copy seems to have problems locking focus at wide angle and recently even at 45mm...

I dont like the numbers though... $219 seems to high... but at the same time, it is optically a nice lens.. tough decision...

[JeffJS]

My 3¢ is this. At a Repair cost = > Replace cost for an AF repair, Manual focus works quite nicely too. While it may be that you'd again have a working lens, how many times do you want to Pay for the SAME lens? Do they at least change the serial number so you can feel like you got something different? Seems awful pricey to align a gear.

I guess that's 5¢ worth...